Why We Run: Andrea Romero

Andrea Romero is a 17th generation New Mexican who has dedicated herself to her community’s economic and environmental vitality as a community leader and entrepreneur. After the election of Donald Trump, Andrea decided that the way to make the biggest impact on her community was to throw herself into the arena and run for State Representative in New Mexico’s 46th district.

What problem would you like to solve by running for office?

There are so many things that I want to address, but it all starts with creating an environment in which New Mexicans can thrive. To me, that means having a sustained future rooted in high-quality education, great jobs and enough retirement savings to allow us to reap the rewards of a lifetime of hard work. It’s soup to nuts — from the start of life to the end of life.

Was there a specific incident that led you to run for office?

Not unlike so many other women who are running for office today, the election of DJT (it’s hard for me to say his name!) really made me spring into action.

I came to understand that local elections really do matter. They have a direct impact on not only my life, but also on the lives of my family and my neighbors. We feel the effects of local and state government every single day of our lives, and that realization really transformed my thinking about what is possible in our community.

Any interesting things happen while doorknocking?

On the positive side, I’ve made great connections with my neighbors and people in my own community who I hadn’t yet connected with. Lots of people have thanked me for running and have asked great questions. They’ve shared their concerns about the future and what are we going do to solve the issues we’re facing right now.

But I’ve also had some very shocking encounters with my people who have expressed some really anti-immigrant sentiments. Some of the most polarizing far right-wing talking points are coming out of the mouths of Democrats right here in my own community. This is really hard for me, especially as a person of color and a Latina, to hear coming from my own community.

Because I don’t know where each individual is coming from, the best thing I can do in that situation is provide as much factual information as possible about all the amazing contributions that immigrants are making in our community every day — and to let them know that as a Democrat, I truly respect and support immigrant families and am dedicated to making sure their communities are well served.

So much of running for office is being the bearer of accurate information, opening a dialog in a safe space, and being committed to finding solutions that serve everyone.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about running for office?

Do it. You have to try. It’s nothing you ever thought it would be or could have anticipated — but bravery is necessary to create the changes that we want to see.

It’s like having a baby. You’re never quite ready for what may come, but you also have no clue what you’re really capable of. You just have to do it.

What has surprised you about running?

One thing that surprised me is how many people come out of the woodwork to shower you with support and words of encouragement — and who are champions for you and the causes you’re fighting for.

However — no one has ever run for office and not had a negative story come out about them in the media. When it happens to you, it’s really jarring. You’re working so hard and saying to yourself, “We’re upstanding people who believe in the right causes, aren’t we? We’re all in this together, right?” Then the media gives you some gut punches from time to time.

When you put yourself out there in the public eye, you need to know that there will be some negative consequences. It’s not an “if” equation, it’s a “when” equation.

How have you used/worked with RFS in your race?

Run For Something has amazing resources available for candidates right out the gate. They told me, “Whether or not you’re endorsed by us, we can set up a call with folks who you can talk to about running.”

I immediately started talking with a political consultant firm in Colorado about what I was getting myself into. They told me, “You’re going to be fine. You’ve just got to go for it.” It was great to have someone with experience to chat with about what I was going through, and to have a shoulder to cry on.

Everybody I have talked to through RFS has dealt with whatever issues I’m facing in my race. Whether it’s fundraising, strategy or anything else, they have resources available to help. You’re not reinventing the wheel.

To learn more about Andrea Romero’s campaign, check out her website: https://www.andrearomero.com/